1933: On September 20th the city of Pittsburgh finally got its first taste of pro-football
when the Pirates debuted with a 23-2 loss to the New York Giants at Forbes
Field. A week later the Pirates would squeeze out a 14-13 victory at Forbes over
the Chicago Cardinals. The Pirates would go on to complete their first season
with a 3-6-2 record. However, Coach Jap Douds was still replaced by Luby DiMelio,
following the season.1934: The Pirates win two of their first three games, but those wins end up being the only
wins on the season as the Pirates suffer a miserable 2-10 season, in which
they were shut out five times, and only scored more than ten points three times.1935: Under Joe Bach, Pittsburgh's third coach in as many years the Pirates continue to
struggle finishing with a 4-8 record, while compiling less than 2,000 yards total
on offense on the season. 1936: The Pirates get off to a great start winning their first 3 games on the way to a
6-3 start that had them in first place in the Eastern Division. However, the bottom
would suddenly fall out and the Pirates lost their final three games by a
combined 72-9 score, to fall to 6-6. Had they won just one of those games they
would have played for the NFL Championship. Following the season Coach Joe Bach
is replaced by Johnny "Blood" McNally.1937: The Pirates would get off to a solid start again winning their first two games but
their typical struggles would arise again, as they only won two of their last
nine games, to finish with a 4-7 record.1938: The Pirates make history by signing Colorado All-American Running Back Byron "Whizzer"
White a $15,800 contract, making him the first big money player in the NFL.
He would pay immediate dividends leading the league in rushing. However, the
Pirates still struggled and finished in Last Place with a 2-9 record. It would
also be the only season in Pittsburgh for Byron "Whizzer" White, as he left to
play for the Detroit Lions. He would later gain notoriety by serving on the Supreme
Court of the United States for 31 years.1939: The Pirates struggle from the start of the season losing their first three games,
which included back-to-back shutouts, as Coach Johnny "Blood" McNally is fired.
However, under his replacement Walt Kiesling the Pirates would not fare much
better, as they did not win a game until the season finale at Forbes Field against
the Philadelphia Eagles, as they finished the season with an awful 1-9-1 record.
1940: After struggling for seven years, Owner Art Rooney renamed his team Steelers, to
give them a new identity, and name more closely linked with blue-collar city of
Pittsburgh. The new named seemed to work as the Steelers were unbeaten through
their first three games. However, the same struggles would creep up again as the
Steelers lost their next seven games before shutting out the Eagles in Philadelphia
in the season finale to finish with a 2-7-2 record. Following the season
Coach Walt Kiesling is released.

1941: Assuming the coaching reigns is Co-owner Bert Bell. However, after two frustrating
losses he would resign, and be replaced by Buff Donelli. Donelli would not
fare much better as the Steelers continued to lose, before he is fired after just
five games. Replacing Donelli would be Walt Kiesling who was released after
the following season. The Steelers would show improvement right away tying their
first game in Kiesling's return. A week later they would stun the Brooklyn Dodgers,
who were a playoff contender at Forbes Field. However that would be the
only win of the season as the Steelers finished with an awful 1-9-1 record.1942: The Steelers season dose not start off good as they lose their first two games, but
led by Rookie RB Bill Dudley who led the NFL in rushing the Steelers posted
a 7-4 record, earning their first winning season in franchise history. 1943: With World War II fully under way the Steelers are among many teams struggling to
find players, with many of their regulars off fighting the war. For the Steelers
these players missing included Bill Dudley. Faced with not being able to field
a team the Steelers struck a deal to merge with Philadelphia Eagles. The two
teams would split alternate home games and coaches, and would officially be known
as the Phil-Pitt Steagles combing the two teams' names. The makeshift Steagles
would actually be competitive posting a solid 5-4-1 record.1944: After not being able to come together for a second season with Philadelphia Eagles,
the Steelers sought out another merger, this time joining with Chicago Cardinals.
With same deal in place the team would be officially known as Card-Pitt.
However, unlike their merger with the Eagles, the merger with Cardinals was a
total disaster. The Cardinals who were the worst team at the time dragged down
the Steelers as Card-Pitt were rolled over and walked on all season losing all
ten games. 1945: With World War II wrapping up, the NFL saw a return of many of its stars including
Steelers RB Bill Dudley. However, the team would not fare much better finishing
with an awful 2-8 season in their first season on their own in three years.
Following the season Coach Walt Kiesling, who survived two mergers was fired and
replaced by Jock Sutherland.1946: In his first full season back from the war, RB Bill Dudley earns MVP honors by leading
the league in rushing, interceptions, and punt returns. However, the Steelers
who were in playoff contention all season drop three of their final four games
to finish with a 5-5-1 record.1947: The Steelers finally become serious contenders, winning six in a row after a 1-2
start to find themselves in 1st Place. However, back-to-back road losses over the
Chicago Bears, and Philadelphia Eagles forced the Steelers to win their final
game of the season just to finish in a first place tie with an 8-4 record. In
the Division Playoff the Steelers were never in the game being completely dominated
in a 21-0 loss at Forbes Field to the Eagles. 1948: Coming off a Playoff Appearance there was reason for hope. However, tragedy would
strike just as Coach Jock Sutherland dies suddenly during a scouting trip. Under
his replacement Johnny Michelosen the Steelers would struggle finishing with
a disappointing 4-8 record. 1949: The Steelers get off to a promising start by winning four of their first five games.
However they would fade quickly winning just one of their next six games. The
Steelers would still manage a winning record by winning their last game over
the Bulldogs in New York to finish with a 6-5-1 record.1950: The Steelers get off to a miserable start losing five of their first seven games.
However they would manage to finish on a strong note by winning four of their
last five games to finish with a 6-6 record.1951: The Steelers stumble out of the gate going winless in their first four games. They
would finish the season by rotating wins and losses finish with a putrid 4-7-1
record. Following the season Coach Johnny Mickelson is fired and replaced by
Joe Bach who coached the team 16 years earlier.1952: In his 2nd stints as Coach Joe Bach's first move was to scrap the antiquated single
wing used in the T-formation, making the Steelers the last team to abandon the
once famous formation. However, the Steelers did not fare any better under the
new scheme losing their first four games. However a late season three game winning
streak gave them some hope as they finished with a 5-7 record.1953: The inconstant Steelers show flashes of brilliance one week while stumbling the next
week, during a season in which they alternate wins and losses all season finishing
with a 6-6 record.1954: The Steelers get off to a solid start winning four of their first five games, including
an impressive 55-27 win at Forbes Field over the eventual NFL Champion Cleveland
Browns. However, the wins would not come in the second half as the Steelers
lost six of their last seven games to finish with a 5-7 record. Following
the season, Coach Joe Bach is forced to resign due to health concerns. He would
be replaced by Walt Kiesling who had two previous tenures coaching the Steelers.
1955: Owner Art Rooney uses a 20th round draft pick to select QB Johnny Unitas, just because
he wanted to select a Pittsburgh native. However, in training camp Unitas
is never given a chance and released. He would remerge a few years later with
Baltimore Colts, and would become one of the greatest Quarterbacks of all-time.
Perhaps the Steelers could have used Unitas as they struggled again finishing
with a woeful 4-8 record.

1956: The Steelers continue to struggle amassing a 5-7 record, in what turn out to be Walt
Kiesling's final year as coach. Following the season Kiesling would be replaced
by Buddy Parker.1957: In Buddy Parker's first season as coach the Steelers continued to play inconsistent
football, alternating wins, and losses to finish with a 6-6 record. Following
the season the Steelers made a big splash by striking a deal for Bobby Layne,
who was coming off a season in which he led the Detroit Lions to a NFL Championship.1958: With new QB Bobby Layne there was an air of optimism surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers,
who were seeking to end a quarter century of frustration and win a Division
Title. However, Layne struggled early as the Steelers lost four of their
first five games. However they would turn it around, and go unbeaten the rest of
the season, but their 7-4-1 record was only good enough for third Place.1959: The Steelers continue to play inconsistent football alternating wins and losses again,
while compiling what had to be considered a disappointing 6-5-1 record.1960: Over the years the Steelers have had many frustrating seasons where they were never
in the race for a playoff spot. However, they could not be classified as perennial
losers since they always managed to be in the middle of the pact. However,
if a term could be used for the Steelers it is that they were in a consistent
state of mediocrity and inconsistency. The 60's did not start out any differently
as they continued to alternate wins and losses on the way to a 5-6-1 record.1961: The Steelers stumble out of the gate losing their first four games. However, they
would play solid football over the rest of the season finishing with a 6-4 record,
as Bobby Layne and Rudy Bukich split time at Quarterback putting up similar
numbers.1962: The Steelers become one of the last teams to add an insignia to their helmet when
they put the steelmark on their yellow helmets. The steelmark, which is used by
US Steel, is only place on one side of the helmet since the team is unsure how
it would look. Through the first eight games the Steelers continue to alternate
wins and losses. This time the Steelers would end the season on a strong note
by winning five of their last six games for a 9-5 record that earned them a second
place finnish. Back then the two runner-ups would play in what was called
the runner up bowl, and in that game the Steelers shifted to a black helmet keeping
the Steelmark logo on just one side.1963: With the departure of Quarterback Bobby Layne, Ed Brown fills in and has a terrific
season passing for 2,982 yards, while connecting on 21 TD passes. However, the
Steelers are never quite in the race as they finish in the middle of the pack
with a 7-4-3 record.1964: After five season of splitting their games between Forbes Field, and Pitt Stadium,
the Steelers shift to play all their games at Pitt Stadium. Meanwhile,
the Steelers go from mediocre to bad losing four in a row after a 3-3 start. They
would go on to finish by splitting their final four games to finish with a 5-9
record. Following the season Coach Buddy Parkers is fired and replaced by Mike
Nixon.1965: Under new coach Mike Nixon the Steelers stumble out of the gate losing their first
five games, on the way to a miserable 2-12 season in which they allow 397 points
on the season. Following the season Nixon is ousted after just one year. He
would be replaced by Mike Austin.1966: Coach Mike Austin's tenure begins a solid note as the Steelers go unbeaten in their
first two games. However, they would lose their next five games on the way to
another poor 5-8-1 season, as they went through four Quarterbacks.1967: The Steelers continue to struggle at the Quarterback positions as Kent Nix and Bill
Nelsen combine for 28 Interceptions in a miserable 4-9-1 season in which they
finish in last place.1968: The Steelers continue to play miserable football losing their first 6 games on the
way to an awful 2-11-1 season in which their defense allowed a league worst 397
points. Following the season Coach Mike Austin is fired and replaced by Chuck
Noll.1969: New Coach Chuck Noll's first move is to rebuild the defense as he selects Defensive
Tackle Mean Joe Greene with first choice in the draft. The Steelers would win
their first game of the season by beating the Detroit Lions 16-13 at Pitt Stadium.
However, the win would stand alone all season as the Steelers lost all 13
of their remaining games. However, not all news was grim as Mean Joe Greene won
the Defensive Rookie of the year despite being on a team that allowed 404 points.1970: The Steelers began a new decade in a new conference and a new stadium with a new
quarterback. After nearly 40 years in the NFL in which they only played in one
playoff game the Steelers, are among three teams shifted to the AFC, to complete
the merger between the NFL and AFL. That year the Steelers had the first over
pick and selected QB Terry Bradshaw. Bradshaw was made the starter right away
as the Steelers lost to the Houston Oilers 19-7 in the first game ever at Three
Rivers Stadium. The rest of the season did not go much better as the Steelers
finished with a 5-9 record, while Bradshaw had an awful rookie season throwing
24 interceptions to just six touchdown passes. Long suffering Steelers fans thought
they had another bust on their hands, as Bradshaw was labeled a dumb hick
by the media.1971: Terry Bradshaw continues to struggle with turnovers in his second season throwing
22 interceptions to 13 touchdown passes. However, the Steelers show improvement
finishing in second Place with a 6-8 record.1972: After a typical 2-2 start the Steelers start to play championship football as Offensive
Rookie of the Year RB Franco Harris give the offense the spark it needs
during a five game winning streak. This time there was no coming back to earth
as the Steelers went on to win another four games in a row after a 26-24 loss to
the Cleveland Browns in week 10. With Harris rushing for 1,055 yards the Steelers
were able to end four decades of frustration by winning the AFC Central with
an 11-3 record. On December 23rd the city of Pittsburgh was all a buzz as the
hosted the Oakland Raiders in the Divisional Playoffs. The game was a defensive
struggle all day as the Steelers held a tenuous 6-0 lead late into the fourth
Quarter. However, with 1:13 left in the game Raiders QB Ken Stabler seemed to
have taken the game away with a 30-yard TD run. The Steelers would get the ball
to their own 40-yard line, but with 22 seconds left they needed a miracle facing
4th down and 10. Terry Bradshaw was able to get rid of the ball just before
being hit, as his pass sailed to John Fuqua Raiders DB Jack Tatum knocked the
ball away. However, out of no where Franco Harris caught the ball a few inches
form the ground, and raced up the field untouched for a touchdown to give the Steelers
a 13-7 win. The play, which would become known, as "The Immaculate Reception"
would be viewed as the turning point for the franchise. In the AFC Championship
game the Steelers out played the undefeated Miami Dolphins most of the
first half establishing a 10-7 lead at Three Rivers. However, the game turned on
a trick play by Dolphins punter Larry Sieple, as the Dolphins stayed perfect
with a 21-17 win. However, despite the Championship Game loss the Steelers had
turned the corner.

1973: The Steelers seized the momentum for the "Immaculate Reception", and got off to a
terrific start winning eight of their first nine games. However, a costly three
game losing streak would put their playoff hopes in jeopardy. The Steelers would
recover to win their last two games, but had to settle for a Wild Card berth
with a 10-4 record. The Steelers would get bounced in the playoffs right away
losing to the Raiders 33-14 in Oakland.1974: The Steelers seeking to round out there team had one of the greatest drafts in NFL
history selecting four future Hall of Famers. To complete the Steel Curtain the
Steelers select Linebacker Jack Lambert, to strengthen the offensive line the
selected Center Mike Webster, and to give the team a deep threat they drafted
a pair of receivers in Lynn Swann and John Stallworth to give the offense another
dimension. Despite the new weapons QB Terry Bradshaw struggled early as was
benched in favor of Joe Gilliam. However, Gilliam did not do much better, and
by the end of the season Bradshaw had earned his job back. Despite the Quarterback
inconsistency the Steelers would capture the AFC Central with a 10-3-1 record,
as the Steel Curtain defense, led by Defensive Player of the Year Mean Joe
Greene, began to dominate the NFL. In the Divisional Playoffs the Steelers completely
shut down O.J. Simpson on the way to beating the Buffalo Bills 32-14. In
the AFC Championship Game the Steelers continued to dominate beating the Raiders
24-13 in Oakland to earn a trip to the Super Bowl. Super Bowl IX: The Steelers met the Minnesota Vikings in the Super Bowl on cold, damp, and windy
day in New Orleans. The first half was a completely defensive struggle as the
only points scored came when Dwight White took down Vikings QB in the endzone for
a safety. The Steelers caught a break right away after halftime when they recovered
a fumble on the Vikings 33-yard line. Franco Harris would collect all 33
yards on thre straight handoffs to give the Steelers a 9-0 lead. In the 4th Quarter
the Steelers defense continued to dominate, although the Vikings got on
the board when they blocked Bobby Walden's punt, and recovered it in the endzone.
After the Vikings missed the PAT the Steelers put the game away driving 66 yards
on 11 plays to seal the 16-6 victory, as Franco Harris was named the game's
MVP. Following the game a choked up Art Rooney received the Lombardi Trophy,
after 40 years of frustration.1975: The Steel curtain defense continued to dominate allowing just 167 points, as Cornerback
Mel Blount became the second straight Steeler to capture Defensive Player
of the Year honors. Meanwhile on offense Terry Bradshaw had his finest season
to date by passing for 2,055 yards while connecting on 18 touchdown passes to
just 9 interceptions, as the Steelers captured the AFC Central for the third time
in four years with a 12-2 record that was highlighted by a dominant 11-game
winning streak. In the Divisional Playoffs at Three Rivers the Steelers overcame
a 10-7 halftime deficit and beat the Baltimore Colts going away 28-10. In the
AFC Championship the Steelers faced the Oakland Raiders on brutally cold and windy
day with periodical snow flurries. The game would tune into a turnover filled
defensive struggle, as Jack Lambert caused three fumbles to give the Steelers
a16-0 lead in the 4th Quarter. However, the Steelers turned the ball over three
times in the final five minutes to get the Raiders back into the game at 16-10.
Things were thrown into further peril when the Raiders recovered an on-side-kick.
However, the Steelers defense would toughen up and time would run out preserving
the 16-10 win.Super Bowl X: In the Super Bowl for the second year in a row the Steelers were matched up against
the Dallas Cowboys in Miami. Heading into the 4th Quarter the game was a defensive
struggle as the Cowboys had a 10-7. However, the game turned Reggie Harrison
blocked a Dallas punt through the endzone. On the ensuing possession the Steelers
would take a 12-10 lead on a 36-yard Roy Garella Field Goal. Garella would
add another Field Goal just two minutes later after Cowboys turnover. The Steelers
would strike again on their next possession when Terry Bradshaw hit Lynn
Swann on a 64-yard TD pass. However, the Cowboys grabbed momentum back when Garella
missed the extra point. The Cowboys would strike quickly to get back in
the game at 21-17. After the Steelers recovered an on-side-kick, the Cowboys got
the ball back on their own 39 when the Steelers offense playing without Bradshaw
who was knocked out on the touchdown pass to Swann failed to get a first down.
However, when need the Steel curtain came crashing down on Dallas as Glen Edwards
picked off desperation pass. Lynn Swann who set a Super Bowl record by collecting
161 receiving yards on four acrobatic catches was named the game's MVP,
after most thought he would not play after suffering a concussion in the AFC
Championship Game.1976: Playing a tough early schedule the Steelers get off to a rough start losing four
of their first five games. However, down the stretch the Steel curtain defense
firmly established itself as the greatest defensive unit of all time during an
incredible season ending nine game winning streak in which they allowed opponents
seven or less points eight times, including four shutouts. Highlighting this
run, which helped earn Linebacker Jack Lambert Defensive Player of the Year, were
three shutouts in a row. Making the three straight shutouts more impressive
were the week prior and the week following they only allowed just nine total points.
In total during the nine games winning streak the Steel curtain smothered
the other teams allowing just 28 points. In total they allowed 138 points on
the season compiling a 10-4 record to capture the AFC Central for the fourth time
in five years. In the playoff the Steelers continued their domination beating
the Colts 40-14 in Baltimore. However, both Franco Harris, and Rocky Bleier who
surpassed the 1,000-yard mark during the season were injured and unable to play
in the AFC Championship Game. Without Harris and Bleier the Steelers offense
drifted as their Championship reign ended with a 24-7 loss to the Raiders in
Oakland.

1977: The Steelers never quite seemed as sharp as usual sure they won the AFC Central again
with a 9-5 record, but they had a hard time doing it, and for most of the
season their record hovered around .500. Even the Steel curtain seemed to have
a little wear and tear allowing 243 points on the season, more then 100 more then
the previous season. There lackluster play would catch up with them in the Divisional
Playoffs when they are knocked off by the Broncos 34-21 in Denver.

1978: A greater commitment to the passing game proved to be the spark the Steelers need
as Terry Bradshaw has his finest season, winning the NFL while passing for 2,915
yards while connecting on 28 touchdown passes. The Steel curtain would respond
too allowing just 195 points, as the Steelers won the AFC Central again with
an impressive 14-2 record. The Steelers dominance continued into the playoff where
they beat the Denver Broncos 33-10 at Three Rivers Stadium. A week later in
the AFC Championship Game the victims were the Houston Oilers who were utterly
destroyed in a dominant 34-5 win at the confluence.Super Bowl XIII: After a two year absence the Steelers were back in the Super Bowl facing the Dallas
Cowboys in a rematch in Miami. Unlike the first match up when the defense ruled,
this game was about offense as the Steelers out slugged the Cowboys 21-14
in the first half. After the Cowboys scored a FG in the 3rd Quarter the Steelers
seemed to put the game away in the 4th Quarter when they scored 2 Touchdowns
in 19 seconds. However, the Cowboys would make a furious comeback score two touchdowns
in the final three minutes. However, with 22 seconds left the Steelers
recovered an on side kick to seal a 35-31 victory, that mad them the first team
ever to win three Lombardi Trophies. Terry Bradshaw was named the game's MVP by
passing for 318 yards.1979: Times could not be better for sports fans in Pittsburgh as The Pirates were on the
way to winning the World Series, the Steelers began defense of their Super Bowl
Championship. With Terry Bradshaw passing for 3,724 yards the Steelers won their
sixth straight, and eighth Division title in nine years by posting a solid
12-4 record. This time it was the offense that drove the Steelers furnace as the
team scored 416 points on the season, while the defense allowed 226. In the
Playoffs the Steelers continued to roll beating the Miami Dolphins 34-14 in the
Divisional Playoffs at Three Rivers Stadium. In the AFC Championship Game the
Steelers found themselves in a tight game with Houston Oilers. In the 3rd Quarter
it appeared the Oilers shad actually tied the game but a TD catch was ruled
out of bounds, as the Steelers stayed out in front before pulling away with a 27-13
victory. Super Bowl XIV: Even though they were essentially the road team playing the Los Angeles Rams in the
LA suburb of Pasadena the Steelers were a heavy favorite to win the fourth Super
Bowl in six years. Playing before the largest crowd in Super Bowl history
the Steelers actually found themselves down 19-17 entering the 4th Quarter. This
could have been worse as the Rams missed two PATs, while outplaying the Steelers
through the first 45 minutes. On the first possession of the 4th Quarter the
Steelers finally grabbed control of the game when Terry Bradshaw hit John Stallworth
on a 73-yard touchdown pass to give the Steelers a lead. The Steel curtain
would close on the Rams as the Steelers scored late in the 4th Quarter to seal
a 31-19 victory that cemented them as the team of the decade. Terry Bradshaw
who passed for 309 yards became the second player to win two Super Bowl MVP awards
while the Steelers became the first team with four Lombardi Trophies.

1980: The Steelers started off the 80's on the right note by winning four of their first
five games. However the Steel Curtain began to show some wear as they lost three
games in a row. In the second half the Steelers would not fair much better
playing mediocre football as they lost their grip on the division title and missed
the playoffs with a 9-7 record.1981: The Steelers continued to fade playing mediocre football all season before finishing
out of the playoffs again with an 8-8 record. Following the season the great
players that were the core of the Super bowl teams began retiring as Mean Joe
Greene called it a career.1982: In a season in which they celebrated their 50th Anniversary the Steelers show flashes
of their former glory in a strike-interrupted season in which they made the
playoffs with a 6-3 record. However, their season ended quickly with a 31-28
loss to the San Diego Chargers at Three Rivers Stadium. Following the season, the
Steelers super Bowl team continued to go its separate ways as Lynn Swann, and
Jack Ham ended their Steelers careers. 1983: Injuries limited Terry Bradshaw to just eight pass attempts, as the great Steelers
Quarterback career ended due to an arm injury. However, with back up Cliff Stoudt
passing for 2,553 yards the Steelers continue to be a playoff contender by
willing 9 of their first 11 games. However, the Steelers would enter the playoffs
in bad shape as they lost five of their final six games. Despite the struggles
the Steelers still won the AFC Central with a 10-6 record. However, in the
playoffs the struggle would catch up to them, as they were thrashed 38-10 by the
Raiders in Los Angeles. Following the season Franco Harris Steelers came to an
end when he was acquired by the Seattle Seahawks.1984: With most of the stars form the 70's departed; the Steelers were set to begin rebuilding.
However, the Steelers showed signs of their past glory in amassing a 9-7
record to capture the AFC Central Title again. The highlight of the season was
an October 14th win over the 49ers in San Francisco. It was the only loss the
49ers suffered all season. Also serving up highlights that season was WR Louis
Lipps who won the Offensive Rookie of the Year. In the playoffs the Steelers
stunned the Broncos 24-17 in Denver to earn a trip to the AFC Championship. However,
the Steelers season would end with a 45-28 thrashing at the hands of the
Dolphins in Miami.1985: The Steelers challenge for the AFC Central most of the season sitting at 7-5, through
the first 12 games. However, a season ending four game losing streak would
end both their division title and playoff hopes, as they finished with a 7-9 record,
their first season with a losing record in 14 years.1986: With all but a few players from the glory days departed, the Steelers were a shell
of their former glory struggling all season on the way to a terrible 6-10 record.1987: After splitting their first two games the Steelers represents perform well and keep
their playoff alive by winning two of their next three games. However, the regulars
returned and played mediocre football, on the way to an 8-7 record. As
the Steelers lost their last two games fans came to Three Rivers Stadium asking
Santa for a new quarterback, after Mark Malone had a miserable season throwing
19 interceptions to just 6 touchdown passes.1988: Just ten days before the start of the season the Steelers lose their patriarch with
the passing of Art Rooney. The benevolent Rooney had owned the Steelers since
the start in 1933; along the way he suffered through 40 years of losing, before
glory in the 70's with four Super Bowl Championships. His son Dan who had been
with team since 1955 would take over the day-to-day operations. The Steelers
began the season on a positive note beating the Dallas Cowboys 24-21 at Three
Rivers. However, the Steelers would lose six games in a row, and 10 of 11 games
on the way to a last place season. However, the Steelers would end the season
on strong note by winning three of their last four games to finish with a 5-11
record. Following the season Center Mike Webster the last holdover from the Super
Bowl glory years was released.1989: The Steelers get off to a miserable start losing their first two games by a combined
92-10 score. However, the Steelers would recover, and would hover around .500
all season before winning their final three games of the season to finish with
a 9-7 record, which was good enough for a Wild Card spot. In the Wild Card game
at Houston the Steelers stunned the Oilers with a 26-23 win in overtime over
the Oilers. A week later the Steelers were on the verge of another stunning win
in Denver in the Divisional Playoffs. However, John Elway would lead the Broncos
to a last minute 24-23 comeback win.

1990: The Steelers continued to show improvement overcoming a 1-3 start to find themselves
in a showdown with the Oilers in Houston for the AFC's final playoff spot in
the final game of the season. However, the Steelers are never in the game as
the Oilers thrash the Steelers 34-14 ending their season without the playoffs.1991: The Steelers struggle early as Neil O'Donnell takes over from a struggling Bubby
Brister at Quarterback. The Steelers would end the season on a strong note winning
their last two games 17-10 over the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns
at Three Rivers Stadium to finish with a 7-9 record. Following the season Coach
Chuck Noll would announce his retirement ending his successful 23-year career
in which he won four Super Bowls while posting an overall record of 209-156-1.
1992: A new era began as Bill Cowher made his coaching debut a success as the Steelers
won their first three games on the way to claiming the AFC Central Title for the
first time in eight years with an impressive 11-5 record. However, the Steelers
season would end quickly with a disappointing 24-3 loss to the Buffalo Bills
at Three Rivers Stadium in the Divisional Playoffs.

1993: The Steelers get off to a good start again winning six of their first nine games.
However, after the Steelers lost four of their next six games they needed to win
and get help just to get the sixth and final seed in the playoffs. The Steelers
did their part by beating the Cleveland Browns 16-9. They would get their help
as the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets each lost allowing the Steelers to
make the playoffs with a 9-7 record. In the 3-6 game the Steelers held a lead late
in the 4th Quarter in Kansas City against the Chiefs. However, the Chiefs would
rally to send the game to overtime where the Chiefs broke the Steelers heart
with a 27-24 win. 1994: After splitting their first four games the Steelers catch fire and tear through the
entire AFC winning 10 of their next 11 games on the way to capturing the AFC
Central Division and Home Field Advantage with a 12-4 record. Along the way was
a tough defense reminiscent of the Steel Curtain that allowed just 234 points,
while earning the nick of Biltzburgh for the number of times they blitzed, led
by Kevin Greene who collected 14 sacks on the season. In the playoffs the Steelers
continued to dominate beating the Cleveland Browns 29-9 to advance to the
AFC Championship. With a trip p the Super Bowl on the line the Steelers dominated
the San Diego Chargers all game on rainy day at Three Rivers. However, they
could not put them away, and the Chargers would make a comeback scoring a touchdown
in the final minutes of the 4th Quarter to take a 17-13 lead. The Steelers
would have one chance to take back the lead and got to the foot of the goal line,
but their hopes would end when Neil O'Donnell's 4th Down pass was deflected
away in the endzone. 1995: The Steelers stumble out of the gate trying to overcome the loss of RB Barry Foster,
and the injury of CB Rod Woodson. Through the first seven games the Steelers
were muddling along sitting at 3-4. However, rookie QB Kordell Stewart would
add a spark to the offense and which helped sparked the entire team on to an eight
game winning streak. The rookie QB would provide the spark in the most unique
way lining up at halfback, and receiver as well as Quarterback Kordell Stewart
earned the nickname slash and became the most dangerous player on the field.
The Steelers would go on to finish with an 11-5 record, to capture the AFC Central
Title. In the playoffs the Steelers continued to roll destroying the Buffalo
Bills 40-21 at Three River Stadium. In the AFC Championship Game the Steelers
faced the surprising Indianapolis Colts on a balmy day in Pittsburgh. Like the
previous year the Steelers held the lead all game but just could not pull away.
Leading 20-16 in the final seconds it almost caught up with them again as Jim
Harbaugh's desperation pass bounced in and out of a Colts receivers hands in
the endzone. The Steelers finally were heading to their fifth Super Bowl, but the
ending made it more of a sense of relief then a sense of victory. Super Bowl XXX: Back in the Super Bowl for the first time in 16 years the Steelers faced the Dallas
Cowboys for the third time. However, unlike the first two, which the Steelers
won in Miami, this game would be played in Tempe, Arizona and it would not be
the Steelers day. Heading into the 4th Quarter the Steelers found themselves down
20-7 as QB Neil O'Donnell was having a miserable game. However the Steelers
suddenly got back in the game when the recovered an on-side-kick after kicking
a Field Goal early in the 4th Quarter. The Steelers would drive down the field
and would get to within three points on a Bam Morris touchdown run. The Steelers
defense would shut down the Cowboys and had a chance to take the lead or tie
the game, as they were driving into Dallas territory. However, O'Donnell was picked
off for the third time in the game, and the Cowboys would go on to salt the
game away 27-17. Following the game Neil O'Donnell who was viewed as the goat
was allowed to walk away and sign a Free Agent deal with New York Jets. 1996: To help compensate for the loss of QB Neil O'Donnell the Steelers strengthened their
running game by acquiring Jerome Bettis from the St. Louis Rams. The Steelers
offense would hop on the bus as he gained 1,431 yards, while the Steelers got
off to a terrific 9-3 start to capture the AFC Central Division for the third
year in a row. However, losses in their final three games cost them a playoff
bye as the Steelers finished with a 10-6 record. In the Wild Card round the Steelers
made quick work of the Indianapolis Colts crushing them 42-14 at Three Rivers
Stadium However, their season would end a week later with a 28-3 loss to the
Patriots on a foggy day in New England. 1997: After two season of being the all everything slash Kordell Stewart was given the
reigns of starting Quarterback. Stewart would prove himself right away passing
for 3,020 yards while connecting on 21 touchdown passes. In addition he was still
a dangerous runner scoring 11 touchdowns with his legs while rushing for 476
yards. Only Jerome Bettis with 1,665 had more yards on the ground, as the Steelers
won the AFC Central for the fourth year in a row with an 11-5 record. However,
in the Divisional Playoff Kordell Stewart struggled mightily as the Steelers
defense saved the day in a 7-6 squeaker over the New England Patriots at Three
River Stadium. However, a week later there would be no saving the Steelers who
were beaten 24-21 by the Denver Broncos in Three Rivers Stadium.1998: Despite early struggles from Kordell Stewart the Steelers were right in the middle
of the playoff race sitting with a 7-4 record. However, Stewart's struggle would
catch up with the Steelers, as turnovers seemed to cost the Steelers every
week in a season ending five game losing streak that dropped the Steelers out of
the playoffs with a 7-9 record.1999: Kordell Stewart continued to struggle with turnovers as he was benched in favor of
Mike Tomczak. However Tomczak did not play much better as the Steelers won just
one of their final eight games on the way to a terrible 6-10 record.2000: The Steelers started their final season at Three Rivers Stadium on the wrong foot
by losing their first three games. However, Kordell Stewart would start overcoming
his struggles as the Steelers won their next five games. However, an ensuing
three game losing streak would virtually end their playoff chances. The Steelers
would go on to win three of their last four games to finish with a 9-7 record
but it was not good enough for the playoffs, as the Steelers closed out Three
Rivers with a 24-3 win over the Washington Redskins.2001: The Steelers spilt their first two games as the September 11th terrorist attacks
postponed their first game at Heinz Field. On October 7th the Steelers finally
played their first official game at Heinz Field and beat the Cincinnati Bengals
16-7. Led by an improved defense highlighted by Defensive Rookie of the Year Kendrell
Bell the Steelers got off to a terrific start as they won 9 of their first
11 games. However, an injury to Jerome Bettis threatened to derail the Steelers,
as he missed the final five games of the season. Luckily for the Steelers
Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala filled in well as the Steelers stayed on course winning
four of their final five to win the AFC Central Division and Home Field Advantage
with a 13-3 record. In the Divisional Playoff the Steelers were forced to play
without Bettis again, but the defense stepped up and created their own offense
in a 27-10 win over the Baltimore Ravens. The Bus would return for the AFC
Championship Game, but the Steelers would develop a flat tire, making several special
teams mistakes on the way to a heartbreaking 24-17 loss to the New England
Patriots.

2002: The Steelers stumbled out of the gate being blown out in their first two games in
primetime against the New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders by a combined score
of 60-31. After a bye week the Steelers continued to struggle, as they need
overtime to beat the Cleveland Browns, as backup Quarterback Tommy Maddox came
on to rally the Steelers after Kordell Stewart continued to struggle. A week
later Maddox would be named the starter making his first NFL start in a decade.
Although Maddox would lose his first start to the New Orleans Saints he soon would
become the Comeback story of the year. In the ten years since his last start
Tommy Maddox had retired completely from football before making a comeback in
the Arena League and winning the only MVP award in the wretched XFL. Maddox would
lead the Steelers to four straight wins as they overcame their slow start
to reclaim first place in the newly formed AFC North. Maddox would continue to
impress as he battled Atlanta Falcons superstar QB Michael Vick to a 34-34 stalemate.
However on November 17th on the road disaster struck as Maddox was taken
off the field with numbness throughout his body after being hit by Keith Bulluck
in a 31-3 loss to the Tennessee Titans. Tommy Maddox would not be kept down
he would overcome his temporary paralysis, and return after just 2 weeks, in which
Kordell Stewart led the Steelers to two straight wins. Maddox may have returned
to early as he had two interceptions returned for touchdowns in a stunning
24-6 loss to the Houston Texans at home. Maddox would recover though and lead
the Steelers to 3 straight wins to clinch the division title with a record of 10-5-1.
In the playoffs against the Cleveland Browns the Steelers looked to be heading
for a disappointing loss trailing 33-21 with less then five minutes left.
However the comeback kid would strike again as Tommy Maddox led the Steelers
down the field twice to give the Steelers a dramatic 36-33 comeback win. The win
would send back to Tennessee where Tommy Maddox was nearly paralyzed two months
earlier. This time around the Steelers and Titans would battle in a classic
back and forth battle that went to overtime tied at 31. The Titans would take the
first possession in overtime and setup for a game winning Field Goal, which
Joe Nedney nailed. However the Steelers had called timeout and it would not count.
On his second try from 31 yards Nedney would miss. However the Steelers would
take a controversial running into the kicker penalty giving Nedney a third chance
which he hit from 26 yards to win the game for the Titans 34-31.2003: The Steelers began the season in style with an impressive 34-15 win over the Baltimore
Ravens at home; as Tommy Maddox had three touchdown passes. However, it would
be the best game Maddox would have all season as he played mediocre football
all season throwing just 18 touchdowns against 17 interceptions for the entire
season. While Jerome Bettis only rushed for 811 yards as he had a diminished
role in the offense. On defense the Steelers secondary was the weakness as they
allowed big passing games against the Kansas City Chiefs, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland
Browns, and St. Louis Rams early in the season while they got off to a
disappointing 2-6 start. The Steelers would not recover from their poor first
half as they went on to finish with a disappointing 6-10 record.
2004: The Steelers got the season off to a good start with a dramatic last minute 24-21
win over the Oakland Raiders. A week later the Steelers were soundly beaten by
the Baltimore Ravens 30-13 as Quarterback Tommy Maddox was lost to an elbow injury.
The elbow injury forced Rookie Ben Roethlisberger the Steelers first round
draft pick into action. A week later playing in the wake of a hurricane, Roethlisberger
got his first start leading the Steelers to a 13-3 win over the Miami
Dolphins. Big Ben would not show any rookie nervousness as he soon became a Pittsburgh
sensation leading the Steelers to consecutive home wins over the Cincinnati
Bengals and Cleveland Browns, before beating the Dallas Cowboys on the road.
Coming off their bye week Roethlisberger and the Steelers continued to roll
ending the New England Patriots record 21-game winning streak with an impressive
34-20 win on Halloween. A week later facing the NFL's lone remaining unbeaten
team the Steelers beat the Philadelphia Eagles 27-3, as Ben Roethlisberger the
QB of the future continued to make the future now. The Steelers would continue
to win week in and week out as they would not lose another game in the regular
season winning their last 14 games to finish with a NFL best 15-1 record, as
Ben Roethlisberger with a 98.1 QB rating and 17 touchdowns was named Offensive
Rookie of the Year, while veteran Jerome Bettis showed the Bus had plenty left
in the tank with a career best 13 Touchdowns, as the Steelers had the top rated
defense in the NFL. Hoping to avoid a playoff let down the Steelers faced the
New York Jets in the Divisional Playoffs. However, in his first playoff game Ben
Roethlisberger was shaky having an interception returned for a Touchdown in
the 3rd Quarter. The Steelers would rally to tie the game, but need to dodge a
bullet when Jets field goal Doug Brien missed two field goals in the final minute,
one coming after a Roethlisberger had another pass picked off. In overtime
after stopping the Jets on their first possession the Steelers drove down the field
to set up Jeff Reed up for the game winning 33-yard field goal as the Steelers
moved on to the AFC Championship Game with a 20-17 win. In the AFC Championship
the Steelers faced the Patriots again. However, this time it would be different
as the Pats jumped out to a big lead and never looked back beating the Steelers
41-27 to earn a trip to Super Bowl XXXIX.
2005: Coming off a 15-1 regular season the Steelers had plenty of reason for optimism,
as Ben Roethlisberger looked to show his rookie season was not a fluke. In the
season opener against the Tennessee Titans, the Steelers won easily 34-7 as Roethlisberger
threw two Touchdown passes, while passing for 218 yards, while second
year RB Willie Parker had a breakout performance rushing for 161 yards. Following
an easy win against the Houston Texans, the Steelers face an early test against
the New England Patriots, and came up short as the defending champions beat
the Steelers in Pittsburgh again 23-20. The following week, the Steelers showed
some of their grit and tenacity in a Monday Night Road Showdown with the San
Diego Chargers, as Jerome Bettis saw his first action of the season scoring
a TD, while Ben Roethlisberger playing on a sprained knee put the Steelers in position
for a 40-yard field goal by Jeff Reed as time expired in a 24-22 win. Playing
without Big Ben the following week the Steelers would be stunned in overtime
as backup Quarterback Tommy Maddox had his pass intercepted and returned 41
yards for Touchdown in a 23-17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Roethlisberger
would return and lead the Steelers to wins in the next two games, but the knee
became too painful and he was forced to have arthroscopic surgery and miss a
month. This time the Steelers turned to Charlie Batch and the Steelers continued
to win, as Batch led the way in wins over the Green Bay Packers and Cleveland
Browns as the Steelers were sitting at 7-2. However, Batch himself would suffer
an injury forcing the Steelers to go back to Maddox who struggled again in 16-13
overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Ben Roethlisberger would return for
a Monday Night Showdown with the Indianapolis Colts, but was clearly off as the
Colts won going away 26-7. The following week the struggles would continue for
the Steelers as they lost a shoot out with the Cincinnati Bengals at home 38-31,
despite 386 yards passing from Roethlisberger. At 7-5 the Steelers found their
playoff hopes in jeopardy as they faced a Chicago Bears team on an eight game
winning streak. The Steelers would win the game 21-9 as Jerome Bettis had perhaps
his best game of the season with 101 yards rushing and two touchdowns. The
win got the Steelers back on track as they would not lose again, winning their
final four games to squeeze into the playoffs as the sixth seed with an 11-5
record.
2005: In the playoffs the Steelers would face the Cincinnati Bengals again, and would get
an early break as Kimo von Oelhoffen inadvertently injured Bengals QB Carson
Palmer on the first series of the game. Despite the loss of Palmer the Bengals
got off to a fast start leading 10-0 after the 1st Quarter and 17-7 midway through
the second. However, the Steelers defense would stiffen and not allow another
point as they pulled to with a field goal on a short TD pass from Ben Roethlisberger
to Hines Ward. In the second half it was all Steelers a Jerome Bettis
put them ahead on a five yard run in the 3rd Quarter, which was followed up by
a Roethlisberger to Cedric Wilson 43-yard touchdown score, as the Steelers won
31-17. Facing the Indianapolis Colts the Steelers were not given a chance to make
the AFC Championship Game, as the Colts were simply dominant all year at 14-2
while beating the Steelers easily in November. However, things would be different
from the start of the game as they drove up the field methodically on the
first possession for a touchdown. After stopping the Colts on their first series
the Steelers quickly got the ball back and had another long touchdown drive
to take an early 14-0 lead. As the Steelers defense shutdown Peyton Manning the
Steelers would extend the lead late in the 3rd Quarter to 21-3 as Bettis scored
on short yardage near the goal line. In the 4th Quarter, the Colts offense would
come alive as they scored 15-unaswered points and were with a field goal late
in the game. Looking to hold on the Steelers defense again swarmed Manning and
sacked him twice; including at the Colts own two yard line on 4th down with
less than two minutes left. With 1:20 left and the ball on the Colts two all the
Steelers had to do was run out the clock to win the game, putting the ball in
the hands of Jerome Bettis the Steelers saw their lives suddenly flash before
their lives as the Bus fumbled, and Nick Harper looked to be on his way of running
coast to coast with the for a game winning touchdown. However, the last man
to beat Ben Roethlisberger got just enough of Harper's leg to bring him down near
midfield. The Colts would get in field goal range, but would see Mike Vanderjagt's
46-yard kick sail wide right as the Steelers held on for a stunning 21-18
win becoming the first sixth seed to make the Conference Championship Game.
Facing the Denver Broncos the Steelers again would get off to a fast start as they
shutdown the Broncos early and dominated the first half leading 24-3 at halftime.
The Broncos would creep back into the game getting within ten points midway
through the 4th Quarter, but the Steelers would prove to be too strong as Ben
Roethlisberger put the game away on a four yard touchdown run in a 34-17 to
advance to Super Bowl XL.
Super Bowl XL: The feel good story of Super Bowl hype week was the Jerome Bettis who was playing
in his final NFL game in his hometown of Detroit, finally reaching the Super Bowl
at the end of a 13-year Hall of Fame Career. The Steelers also reversed course
a bit deciding to where white despite being the "home team designee" continuing
the role from becoming just the second team ever to reach the Super Bowl with
three road wins. Early on the game belonged to the Seattle Seahawks as they
scored first on a 47-yard field goal and led 3-0 late in the 2nd Quarter. However,
with two minutes left the Steelers finally broke through as Ben Roethlisberger
scored a controversial touchdown on short yardage at the goal line sneaking
the ball just into the endzone, while replays, showed the ball may have not gone
over at all. The touchdown would stand as the Steelers led at halftime 7-3.
In the 3rd Quarter the Steelers would not wait long to score again scoring on
the 2nd play from scrimmage as Willie Parker raced down the field for a Super Bowl
record 75-yard touchdown run to give the Steelers a 14-3 lead. Heading into
the endzone for another score the Steelers suddenly found themselves forced to
scramble again as Ben Roethlisberger who struggled all game was intercepted at
the Seattle four yard line with ball being returned all the way down to the Steelers
20, setting up a Matt Hasslebeck to Jeremy Stevens TD pass to make the score
14-10 at the end of three quarters. As the 4th Quarter began the Seahawks
were driving into Steelers territory looking to take the lead, when Ike Taylor
picked off Matt Hasslebeck near the endzone and returned to midfield. Following
a key five yard sneak by Roethlisberger the Steelers looked to trickery to extend
their lead back to 11 points as Big Ben gave the ball to Willie Parker who
gave the ball to Antwaan Randle-El on a reverse to daze and confuse the Seahawks
defense that left Hines Ward all alone to receive a 43-yard TD pass from Randle-El
to give the Steelers a 21-10 lead that sent the pro black and gold crowd
at Ford Field into a frenzy. From there it was all the Steelers defense as they
shut down the Seahawks for a 21-10 win, earning the long anticipated one for the
thumb. The game would indeed be the last for Bettis who announced his retirement
during the trophy presentation as Hines Ward was named the game's MVP.
2006: Coming off the Super Bowl Championship, the Steelers endured a tough off-season,
as Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was involved in a serious motorcycle accident.
As the season started Roethlisberger had more health concerns as he needed an
emergency appendectomy. With Roethlisberger sidelined in Week 1, back up Charlie
Batch played well and led the Steelers to a solid Thursday Night 28-17 win over
the Miami Dolphins. However, former Stealer Jerome Bettis who was now working
for NBC stole the headlines, when he announced that Coach Bill Cowher was likely
to leave Pittsburgh following the season to spend more time with his family.
While the announcement made Bettis no friends with his former team, there was
no denial from Coach Cowher. Ben Roethlisberger would return in Week 2, but struggled
badly as the Steelers were shutout by the Jacksonville Jaguars 9-0. Roethlisberger
and the Steelers would not play much better then next two games as
they were beaten by the Cincinnati Bengals and San Diego Chargers. Against the
Kansas City Chiefs, the Steelers appeared to get back on track as Ben Roethlisberger
completed 16 of 19 passes in a 45-7 win at Heinz Field. Roethlisberger would
play well a week later in Atlanta with three touchdown passes before leaving
with a concussion as the Steelers were stunned by the Falcons in overtime 41-38.
Perhaps still feeling the effects of the concussion, Roethlisberger was picked
off by the Raiders four times, two of which were returned for touchdowns as
the Steelers were beaten by the lowly Oakland Raiders 20-13 despite limiting
the Raiders to 98 yards total offense. Things continued to spiral at home a week
later as the Steelers committed six turnovers falling to 2-6 with a 31-20 loss
the Denver Broncos. Needing a big performance to begin the road back to respectability,
Willie Parker rushed for 213 yards with two touchdowns in a solid 38-31
win over the New Orleans Saints. Parker would struggle to duplicate those numbers
the following week as he was held to 46 yards rushing by the Cleveland Browns.
Trailing 20-10 in the 4th Quarter the Steelers appeared to be heading for
another loss, but with two touchdowns in the final five minutes the Steelers
were able to rally and beat the Browns 24-20. After a 27-0 setback against the
Baltimore Ravens, the Steelers defense took control in three straight wins allowing
just 13 total points in wins over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns,
and Carolina Panthers. At 7-7 the Steelers were suddenly back in the playoff
picture, however against the Ravens their hopes would evaporate as the Ravens
jumped out to a 14-0 lead on the way to winning the game 31-7. Looking to close
their season 8-8 and doom another division rivals playoff hopes the Steelers
went into Cincinnati and took down the Bengals 23-17 with a dramatic 67-yard touchdown
pass from Ben Roethlisberger to Santonio Holmes in overtime. Following
the season Bill Cowher would indeed resign, as the Steelers hiring their third
coach in nearly 40 years used the same formula hiring a young assistant, this time
it would be 35-year old Minnesota Vikings Offensive Coordinator Mike Tomlin.
2007: The Steelers celebrated their 75th Anniversary with a new Coach in Mike Tomlin, who
hoped to return to the playoffs. Early on things looked good in Pittsburgh as
the Steelers got off to a fast start, winning their first three games easily
by 21 points or more. After a 21-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, who were coached
by former Steelers Offensive Coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, the Steelers shutout
the Seattle Seahawks 21-0 in a rematch of Super Bowl XL. Following the bye
week the Steelers came out flat as they fell behind the Denver Broncos early 21-7
at halftime. With two touchdowns in the fourth quarter the Steelers would fight
back to tie the game with one minute left. However, the Broncos would win the
game 31-28 on a 49-yard Field Goal by Jason Elam as time expired. Following
the loss in Denver, the Steelers again won three in a row, beating the Cleveland
Browns for a second time to take a stranglehold off the AFC Northern Division
with a 7-2 record. However, the Steelers would begin to show some signs of weakness
losing on the road to the 1-8 New York Jets in overtime 19-16. A week later
on a sloppy rainy Monday Night in Pittsburgh against the winless Miami Dolphins,
the Steelers offense was stuck in the mud, as they were held scoreless through
three quarters. Fortunately the Dolphins offense bordered on incompetent and
they were unable to get going either. The Steelers would end up controlling
the ball through most of the fourth quarter as Jeff Reed hit a field goal with
17 seconds left to win the game 3-0. After beating the Cincinnati Bengals 24-10,
the Steelers were exposed again, as they were blow out by the New England Patriots
34-13. Returning home the Steelers continued to struggle as they trailed
the Jacksonville Jaguars 22-7 in the fourth quarter. However, the Broncos would
again battle back to tie the game. Unfortunately the Jaguars would end up with
the win as Fred Taylor gave the Jags 29-22 with a 12-yard touchdown run with 1:57
left. The Steelers would still win the division as they hammered the St. Louis
Rams 41-24 in Week 16. However, resting many of their starters the Steelers
would end the regular season with a 27-21 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The Steelers
entered the playoffs with a 10-6 record as they had a rematch at Heinz Field
with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Once again the Steelers fell in an early hole
as the Jaguars held a 28-10 lead entering the third quarter. However, in the
fourth quarter the Steelers would make a charge scoring three touchdowns
to take the lead. However, Coach Mike Tomlin decided to go for two twice, and
the Steelers only led by one point with six minutes left. It would be too much
time for the Jaguars as they were able to get in field goal range and win the game
31-29 on a 25-yard field goal by Josh Scobee with 37 seconds left.
2008: Heading into the season the Steelers knew they would have a tough road to the Super
Bowl, as they had the toughest schedule in the NFL. That meant they had to take
advantage of any potential soft spot on the schedule, which included the opening
week of the season where they faced the Houston Texans. The Steelers did
just that winning their Week 1 match up 38-17. A week later they faced the division
rival Cleveland Browns, and made an early statement on the road shutting down
the Browns passing game completely in a 10-6 defensive struggle in primetime.
After a 15-6 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3, the Steelers
rebounded to win a thriller in overtime, as they overcame a 13-3 halftime deficit
to beat the Baltimore Ravens 23-20 as Jeff Reed hit a 46-yard field goal in
OT. With the Steelers running game banged up, it was time for Quarterback Ben
Roethlisberger to step up, as the Steelers took revenge on the Jacksonville Jaguars
with a 26-21 win on the road, as Big Ben passed for 309 yards with three touchdown
passes. After the bye week the Steelers spilt their next four games, losing
tough games against the previous two Super Bowl winners at Heinz Field. Sitting
at 6-3 the Steelers found themselves in another defensive struggle against
the San Diego Chargers, as Jeff Reed gave the Steelers an 11-10 victory with
a 32-yard field goal with 11 seconds left. It would be the start of an five game
winning streak, as the Steelers defensive took on ferociousness of the Steel
curtain as they led the NFL with fewest yards allowed and fewest points scored,
earning James Harrison a one time member of the Steelers practice squad Defensive
Player of the Year honors. The Steelers winning streak would come to an end
with an ugly 31-14 loss on the road to the Tennessee Titans, as several members
of the Titans stomped the terrible towel into the ground, as the Steelers lost
a chance to get home field advantage in the AFC Playoffs. Nonetheless, the Steelers
would close out the season with a 31-0 whitewashing of the Browns, to get
the all important playoff bye, as they won their second straight AFC North Title
with a 12-4 record. In the playoffs the Steelers had a rematch with the San
Diego Chargers this time it would be the offense that decided the game, as the
Steelers jumped out to a 28-10 lead, behind the running of Willie Parker who
rushed for 146 yards with two touchdowns as the Steelers advanced to the AFC Championship
Game with a 35-24 victory. In the AFC Championship the Steelers would
have another rematch on their hands, as they faced the Baltimore Ravens, whom
they beat twice in the regular season. The Ravens had a week earlier knocked off
the Titans, bring the AFC Title game back to Heinz Field, where a sea of fans
waving the terrible towels greeted the division rival Ravens, as the Steelers
jumped out to an early 13-0 lead highlighted by a 65-yard touchdown pass from
Ben Roethlisberger to Santonio Holmes. However, the Ravens would claw their way
back into the game, behind two touchdowns from Willis McGahee to cut the Steelers
lead to 16-14 early in the fourth quarter. With 4:24 left the Steelers defense
slammed the door on the Ravens as Troy Polamalu returned an interception 40
yards for a touchdown to widen the margin. Meanwhile Ryan Clark turned out the
lights on Baltimore with a jarring hit on Willis McGahee on a screen pass, as
the Steelers advanced to Super Bowl XLIII with a 23-14 victory.
Super Bowl XLIII: Heading into the Super Bowl the Steelers were heavy favorites as they faced the Arizona
Cardinals who were hoping to erase a legacy of losing. Once upon a time
the Steelers shared that legacy with the Cardinals, as they two teams merged for
the 1944 season due to player shortages from World War II. Early on it was all
Steelers as they jumped out to a 10-0 lead. However as halftime approached the
Cardinals had a chance to at least tie the game, as they had the ball deep in
Steelers territory. However, James Harrison intercepted a pass from Kurt Warner
at the goalline and returned it the length of the field in an exhausting run
to widen the lead to 17-7 as the half expired. In the third quarter the Steelers
would expand the lead to 20-7 on a 21-yard field goal by Jeff Reed. However,
just as it seemed the game was firmly in control the Cardinals made a furious 4th
Quarter comeback. After cutting the lead to six points, the Cardinals defense
turned on the pressure, as Justin Hartwig was called for holding in the endzone
giving the Cardinals a safety with under three minutes left to cut the Steelers
lead to four points. Suddenly reeling the Steelers did not have time to blink
before the lead had vanished completely as Kurt Warner hit Larry Fitzgerald
on a 64-yard touchdown pass to give the Cardinals 23-20 lead with 2:37 left. The
Steelers now faced desperation as they had the ball and needed to at least tie
the game on this drive. However, things did not start off on the right foot as
Chris Kemoeatu was called for holding giving the Steelers 1st down and 20 at
their own 12-yard line. However, Ben Roethlisberger kept his cool, connecting twice
with Santonio Holmes to begin taking the Steelers down the field. After getting
the ball to midfield, Roethlisberger and Holmes connected again for 40-yard
pass to the Cardinals six yard line, with just one minute left on the clock.
After failing to connect with Holmes on first down, Roethlisberger hit Holmes,
who managed to get a toe in bounds for a dramatic touchdown catch to give the
Steelers back the lead with 42 seconds remaining. After replay determined the catch
was good it was up to the Steelers defense to preserve the 27-23 victory,
which they were able to do as LaMarr Woodley took down Kurt Warner who was attempting
a desperation pass as time expired. The win gave the Steelers one for the
other hand as they became the first team to win six Lombardi Trophies, as Santonio
Holmes whose dramatic reception won the game was named Super Bowl MVP.